A more powerful version of the tracked AgBot self-guided driverless tractor has been developed by Dutch specialist AgXeed to cater for growers who like the concept but want more muscle for greater output than the current model can muster.

The AgBot T2 7 Series with 230hp now sits alongside the 156hp T2 5 Series, as well as the 75hp W3 2 Series compact three-wheeler and four-wheel W4 2 Series, supported in Britain by dealers Soil Essentials at Brechin, Angus and ASC Autonomy in Cambridgeshire.

See also: SoilEssentials’ Skai spot-sprayer cuts chemical use in pastures

However, the new T2 7 Series autonomous tractor is more than simply a re-engined version of its sibling.

Tracks aside, pretty much everything has been upgraded to handle larger implements, so the gear or swash-plate pump (the latter option providing variable output) has greater flow at up to 170 litres/min versus 85 litres/min.

And the Cat 3 rear linkage of the 7 Series is rated at 9t instead of 8t; the front assembly lifting 4t rather than 3t.

One spec detail unchanged is the number of double-acting proportional spool valves that can be installed, which remains four – all at the rear or three rearwards and one up front.

Bigger engine

The 7 Series’ power gain comes from installing a 5.1-litre Deutz TCD engine instead of the 4.1-litre version, with the bigger engine’s extra thirst catered for by a 520-litre diesel tank that should also allow longer working stints between refills.

Both machines feature an electric drivetrain, comprising an engine-mounted generator powering electric drive motors for infinitely variable ground speeds up to 13kph or so.

The wheel motors power a raised rear axle drive wheel for each track assembly, with two main idlers and either four (5 Series) or three (7 Series) track rollers.

While slightly different in execution, the track assemblies are within 10mm of being the same length overall, and both come with a choice of five rubber traction belt widths from 300mm to 910mm.

Fundamental to making use of all this mechanical gubbins is the array of guidance and collision avoidance sensors, and the software used to generate field boundary maps and pathways.

This guides the machine and triggers all its functions, from steering to operating the lift linkages and spool valves.

Operations from light top-work to heavy cultivation and ploughing are proven to be within the scope of the tracked AgBots.

This was illustrated by the 24-hour trial in North Yorkshire last year, when a T2 5 Series knocked off 20.8ha with a five-furrow Kverneland LO plough, at a fuel consumption rate of 18.4 litres/ha.